Fireworks added to Ocean City’s annual Night in Venice boat parade

Fireworks will cap off an evening of light as Night in Venice returns to Ocean City, New Jersey this Saturday.

The pyrotechnics are a new feature added to the shore destination’s signature summer event, now in its 62nd year. This year’s theme is “Destination America”.

As in years past, scores of boats decorated with colorful lights will sail in a three-mile parade along the bay from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge to Tennessee Ave. Hundreds of illuminated bay front homes and shops will also take part in the festivities.

Fireworks, launched from a barge north of the Ninth Street Bridge, will follow the parade at 9 p.m.

Free grandstand seating will be available on a first-come basis at street ends along the bay from Battersea Rd. to 16th St. and at Tennessee Ave.

Tickets will also be available to view the parade from bleacher seating at the Bayside Center (520 Bay Ave.). The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children under age 12 years. Admission includes family-friendly entertainment with live music from the Good Tymes Band, plus face painting, games and crafts. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

A free shuttle service will run between 4-10 p.m. from the designated free parking lots at the municipal airport (25th and Bay Aves.), the soccer field at Tennessee Ave. and the Ocean City Community Center (1735 Simpson Ave.). The shuttle will also drop off at the Bayside Center.

Saturday, July 16, 6:30 p.m. – bay side, Ocean City, N.J.